In this ranking, we share 50 of the best top-ranked, affordable degrees in Computer Science and Engineering. A sampling of degrees mentioned are:
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering
- Master of Science in Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering
- Master of Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
In the US News and World Report rankings, a lower ranking equals a better program. For example, USC – Berkeley earned the #1 spot in the Computer Science ranking. So, USC – Berkeley received 1 point for that category. On the other hand, the University of Iowa’s Computer Science ranking number was 64. Therefore, UI received 64 points for that category–meaning that the lower score actually equals a higher ranking.
We then did the same thing for the 2nd category: the school’s graduate ranking in Engineering.
Next, we assigned a point value to the tuition costs. Typically, the lower the tuition, the higher the point value assigned. But because this ranking assigns a higher ranking to a lower number, the cheaper the tuition, the lower the point value assigned.
- Under $10,000 – 1 point
- Under $20,000 – 2 points
- Under $30,000 – 3 points
- Under $40,000 – 4 points
- Under $50,000 – 5 points
Finally, we added up the 3 scores, and assigned their ranking number accordingly, with the highest point value ranked #50 and the lowest point value ranked #1. In the case of a tie, the school with the lower tuition got the better ranking. For example, the University of Florida and the University of Utah both received 98 points. The University of Utah was ranked higher (#35) because their tuition was cheaper.
Ok, whew! That’s out of the way. Now let’s get to what you came here for: low-cost computer science and engineering degrees. If you’re interested in any of those fields, you are in luck. Not only will you be entering a growing and desirable field, you can expect a large paycheck to match. With continual technological advancement, you will be entering an in-demand field with room to grow and evolve!
- University of California – Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Georgia Tech
- University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of Texas – Austin
- Cornell University
- University of California – San Diego
- Purdue University
- UCLA
University of California – Riverside
Riverside, CA
Computer Science Ranking: 61
Engineering Ranking: 80
Point Value: 144
At the University of California – Riverside, both engineering and computer science degrees are housed in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering. The division offers 9 majors and minors in Engineering, with one in both Engineering and Computer Science. Internships and undergraduate research are available for undergraduate students. Graduate level degrees are available in Bioengineering, Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering. An online M.S. in Engineering is also available.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $26,544
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Computer Science Ranking: 64
Engineering Ranking: 74
Point Value: 141
The University of Iowa offers a plethora of engineering degrees through its School of Engineering. Available Bachelor’s degrees include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. Masters and PhD programs are also available. Students can utilize resources like the Engineering Technology Center and the Lichtenberger Engineering Library. The school’s Computer Science division is offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and offers two undergraduate degrees in Informatics and Computer Science, as well as a Master of Computer Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $28,726
University of Illinois – Chicago
Chicago, IL
Computer Science Ranking: 64
Engineering Ranking: 74
Point Value: 141
The University of Illinois in Chicago offers its affordable engineering and computer science degrees through its College of Engineering. The division offers 11 undergraduate majors, 9 undergraduate minors, as well as graduate level degrees in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Materials Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. A 100% online Master of Engineering is also an option. Students can enjoy and utilize the department’s almost 100 research laboratories and five research centers.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $28,168
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Computer Science Ranking: 75
Engineering Ranking: 63
Point Value: 141
Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University offers many choices for affordable undergraduate degrees in engineering and computer science. Offered through the College of Engineering, major/minor options include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Human-Centered Computing
- Electrical Engineering
- Lasers and Optical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Space Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Teacher licensure, as well as an international studies option is also available in engineering. Graduate level degrees include an M.S. and PhD in Material Sciences and Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and more.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $25,791
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
Computer Science Ranking: 75
Engineering Ranking: 59
Point Value: 137
Through the Tickle College of Engineering, the University of Tennessee offers various undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees through 9 divisions, including niche areas like Nuclear Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. In addition, the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. Interesting minors include Datacenter Technology & Management and Cybersecurity. The College also boasts several computing labs and research centers.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $29,656
University of Texas – Dallas
Richardson, TX
Computer Science Ranking: 64
Engineering Ranking: 62
Point Value: 129
Low-cost engineering and computer science degrees at the University of Texas at Dallas are offered through the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. The school features 6 departments: Bioengineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available. Various research centers and institutes will help students have a hands-on education. In addition, the department is known for its research opportunities.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $26,852
University at Buffalo – SUNY
Buffalo, NY
Computer Science Ranking: 61
Engineering Ranking: 59
Point Value: 123
The University at Buffalo – SUNY’s cheap engineering and computer science degrees are offered through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The school features 9 departments, including Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Education, and Materials Design and Innovation. Undergraduate, Master’s level, and doctorate degrees are available. Student resources include research centers and initiatives, libraries, and even an engineering machine shop. The school also offers a simulation lab, a digital manufacturing lab, material characterization lab, and a BioDesign Core facility.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $22,650
University of Delaware
Newark, DE
Computer Science Ranking: 68
Engineering Ranking: 46
Point Value: 118
The affordable engineering and computer science degrees at the University of Delaware are available through the College of Engineering. Undergraduate majors include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Engineering and Management, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Information Systems, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. In addition, many Master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional certifications are also available. Additionally, 4+1 Bachelor’s/Masters degree programs and online programs are also an option.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $32,886
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Computer Science Ranking: 55
Engineering Ranking: 58
Point Value: 117
Offered through the College of Engineering, the affordable engineering and computer science degrees at Michigan State University will help you develop the skills you need to succeed post-graduation. The programs will offer strong coursework in mathematics, computing, and sciences, as well as other necessary skills in project management and communication. Undergraduate and graduate engineering and computer science degrees can be pursued through the Colleges 8 divisions, including Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and more. Masters and doctoral degrees are available in 11 areas, as well as online degree programs.
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $37,056
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